Is 178 a good score on the PSAT for a sophomore?

Question

I just got my PSAT scores in the mail. I was wondering if 178 (selection index) is good, and if so, how much should I improve to be a National Merit Semifinalist or Finalist?
Critical Reading-70 (better than 99% of sophomores)
Math-46 (better than 59% of sophomores)
Writing Skills-62 (better than 97% of sophomores)
Math is really bad...any ways to improve that in particular?

Answer 1

It's pretty good. I scored 176 as a freshman, 188 as a sophomore, and 211 as a junior and am currently a National Merit Semifinalist, so I definitely think you can do it too. Your critical reading score is ridiculously good. I never broke 67! But yes, your math needs to improve rather drastically if you want NMF. You want to get at least 210, depends on where you live, though. If you live in like New York, you're gonna need a much higher score than you'd need than if you live in Wyoming.



You need each of your scores to be at about 70. That would give you a 210 that would suffice in many states. I scored 63 CR, 72 M, 76 W for my score, so as you can see, my bad Critical Reading score balanced out.

Answer 2

Yes, 178 is a great score for a sophomore! I got a 183 as a sophomore and then got a 209 as a junior, so I am a National Merit Commended Scholar. The good news is that you have a great critical reading score, which is really hard to improve even with lots of studying. Writing and Math are relatively easy to improve: just being in school will improve those scores slightly. In order to improve math and writing (and possibly reading), I would suggest taking an SAT prep course. That will prepare you for the PSAT next year and the SAT. Know that it is going to be really difficult to be a National Merit Semifinalist or Finalist - you will have to improve a lot. However, I have seen it been done, so study hard! Good luck!

Answer 3

that's good because you scored higher than the average person your grade.

I took it as freshman and got 191-61 in reading, 71 in math, and 59 in writing.



A tip to improve your math: look at the paper they gave you that shows you your score. On the sheet, look at the section "your skills" and see what you need to work on.

Answer 4

Its a great ranking even for a senior. In most cases for NYU you want about 2000, between 1800-2100. Clearly. You're a freshman although so you'll strengthen your ranking a lot by the point you have to take the SAT that NYU will likely be no quandary for you! Congrats!

Answer 5

is 130 a good psat score

for a junior